Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary adds 5kg to frame ahead of 2020 NRL season
The Panthers have not only a fresh halves combination but a new-look Nathan Cleary as the halfback prepares for a big 2020.
NRL
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At just 22, Nathan Cleary is already the ‘heart and soul’ of the Penrith Panthers but his pre-season bulk should help him shoulder the weight of expectation in season 2020.
Cleary has added around 5kg to his frame and now weighs 92kg, it’s a move the halfback is hoping will add to his durability.
The first test of Cleary’s added strength will come when the Panthers take on Parramatta in Saturday afternoon’s trial match in Bega.
But Cleary already has one eye on round one’s clash with back-to-back premiers the Sydney Roosters, when he’ll have the likes of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves charging at him.
“I definitely feel stronger in the gym and I’m hoping it translates onto the field. But I’ll test it on the weekend, I haven’t played a 13-a-side game yet,” Cleary said.
“Durability is a big thing, it’s a long season and it also helps in feeling strong in defence. Halves these days tend to make a lot of tackles, especially against bigger boys so you need to be able to hold your own.”
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In welcome news for Suprcoaches, Cleary’s added weight isn’t expected to change his playing style. Cleary was the highest scoring halfback, averaging 68 points a game, which is five points more than his nearest rival - Cronulla’s Shaun Johnson.
“I’m not playing any different and the coaches have done a good job of making sure I can maintain my speed. People have made a big deal about the five kilograms but I don’t think it has changed anything too much, it’s been a natural growth thing,” he said.
New Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai described the halfback as the ‘heart and soul’ of Penrith and while it’s a tag Cleary isn’t necessarily comfortable with, he understands the burden of wearing the No.7 jumper in the NRL.
“At the moment I don’t think there is massive expectation on me but I know there is always talk around that. I think any time someone pulls on halfback jersey there will be an expectation to lead the team and I think I‘m ready to do that and I’m looking forward to the challenge it presents,” he said.
With 247-game veteran and two-time premiership winner James Maloney departing the club at the end of last year, Luai, a local junior, finally gets the chance to make the five-eighth spot his own in 2020.
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“I had my time behind Jimmy and I learned so much from him… just how composed he was and how he took on pressure and performed in pressure moments. I was blessed to have him there in that sense. But I feel like I’m really ready to take on the role he left for me,” Luai told The Saturday Telegraph.
But according to Cleary, Luai is taking over Maloney’s role in more ways the one.
“They’re big shoes to fill… it’s a big mouth to fill as well but he’s doing a pretty good job of that so far… it seems like anyone who puts on a no.6 jersey has to be a bit of a smart arse,” Cleary said with a laugh.
Luai, 23, and Cleary were halves partners all the way through to SG Ball while coming up the ranks at Penrith, meaning the young playmakers go into round one with an intimate knowledge of each other’s game.
It’s also the reason Cleary believes Luai, who played 13 games last year mostly from the bench, can be Penrith’s x-factor in season 2020.
“I love playing with Jarome and now he gets to play in his preferred position. He’s definitely an x-factor in our team. It’s been a while since we have been able to train together as halves, it’s been a couple of years but I can’t wait to play with him,” Cleary said.
“In saying that I don’t think he deserves to have too much expectation on him. He’s played a handful of games at five-eighth, hopefully I can take a bit of pressure off him.”